Attempted Murder of Peace Officer at California State Prison-Sacramento

December 28, 2009

Folsom – Law enforcement officials are investigating the attempted murder of a correctional officer that occurred in one of the maximum-security units at California State Prison-Sacramento (CSP-SAC).

On December 27, 2009, at approximately 7 p.m., inmate Jonathan McClaurin, 39, tried to murder a 33-year-old correctional officer by slashing the officer with an inmate-made weapon. McClaurin, who has been in prison since June 2, 1997, is serving a 135-year-to-life sentence from Los Angeles County for three counts of first-degree robbery, vehicle theft and disregard for safety.

The officer, a 3 ½ year veteran of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, was slashed on his neck, jaw and ear. He was taken to an outside hospital by ambulance for treatment. The officer was released later in the evening after receiving approximately 68 stitches.

CSP-SAC’s Investigative Services Unit is investigating the incident as an attempted murder. The Office of the Inspector General’s Bureau of Independent Review was notified of the incident.

California State Prison-Sacramento is a multi-mission institution that houses more than 3,100 inmates and employs nearly 1,700 people. Opened in 1986, the institution houses maximum-security inmates serving long sentences and those who have proved to be management problems at other institutions. The institution also serves as a medical hub for Northern California.